U.S. patent application number 10/434953 was filed with the patent office on 2003-11-13 for method and apparatus for transporting a plurality of test tubes in a measuring system.
Invention is credited to Fattinger, Christof, Hochstrasser, Remo Anton, Tschirky, Hansjorg.
Application Number | 20030209091 10/434953 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29225709 |
Filed Date | 2003-11-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030209091 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fattinger, Christof ; et
al. |
November 13, 2003 |
Method and apparatus for transporting a plurality of test tubes in
a measuring system
Abstract
Method and apparatus for transporting a plurality of test tubes
(11) in a measuring system, the test tubes being carried by a test
tube carrier (21) which comprises a plurality of compartments (22),
each of which is adapted for receiving and holding a test tube. The
apparatus comprises: (a) transport means (41) for moving a first
test tube carrier (21) stepwise and substantially in a horizontal
plane within the measuring system and for successively aligning a
compartment (22) of the test tube carrier and thereby a test tube
(11) that compartment with a receiving opening (31) of a measuring
apparatus (32) which belongs to the measuring system, and (b)
transfer means (51) for transferring one after the other a
plurality of test tubes from the first test tube carrier (21) to a
predetermined position in the measuring apparatus (32), said
transferring including displacing each test tube being transferred
in a first sense along a vertical axis (Z), a compartment of the
first test tube carrier (21) being aligned with the receiving
opening (31) of the measuring apparatus for the transferring of
said test tube and said test tube being introduced through the
receiving opening (31) into the measuring apparatus. The transfer
means (51) are adapted for transferring a test tube (11) from the
predetermined position in the measuring apparatus (32) to a
compartment of the first test tube carrier (21) or of a second test
tube carrier (61), the latter transferring including displacing the
test tube along the vertical axis (Z) in a second sense opposite to
the first sense.
Inventors: |
Fattinger, Christof;
(Blauen, CH) ; Hochstrasser, Remo Anton; (Oberwil,
CH) ; Tschirky, Hansjorg; (Ettingen, CH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE INC.
PATENT LAW DEPARTMENT
340 KINGSLAND STREET
NUTLEY
NJ
07110
|
Family ID: |
29225709 |
Appl. No.: |
10/434953 |
Filed: |
May 9, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
73/864.21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N 35/0099 20130101;
G01N 35/04 20130101; G01N 2035/0424 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
73/864.21 |
International
Class: |
G01N 035/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 10, 2002 |
EP |
02076857.8 |
Claims
1. A method for transporting a plurality of test tubes (11) in a
measuring system, said test tubes being carried by a test tube
carrier (21) which comprises a plurality of compartments (22), each
of which is adapted for receiving and holding a test tube, said
method comprising: (a) moving a first test tube carrier (21) within
said measuring system for successively aligning a compartment (22)
of said first test tube carrier (21) and thereby a test tube (11)
held by that compartment with a receiving opening (31) of a
measuring apparatus (32) which belongs to said measuring system,
said moving of said first test tube carrier (21) being effected
stepwise, each motion step being in one of two directions (X, Y)
which are perpendicular to each other, and with a basis outer
surface of said first test tube carrier (21) lying substantially in
a plane defined by two axis (X, Y) which each extend along one of
said directions, (b) transferring one after the other a plurality
of test tubes from said first test tube carrier (21) to a
predetermined position in the measuring apparatus (32), said
transferring including displacing each test tube being transferred
in a first sense along a third axis (Z) which is substantially
perpendicular to said plane, a compartment of said first test tube
carrier (21) being aligned with said receiving opening (31) of the
measuring apparatus for said transferring of said test tube and
said test tube being introduced through said receiving opening (31)
into the measuring apparatus (32), (c) effecting in the measuring
apparatus (32) a measurement on a sample contained in the test tube
transferred to the measuring apparatus, and (d) transferring said
test tube (11) after that measurement from the predetermined
position in the measuring apparatus (32) to a compartment of a
second test tube carrier (61), the latter transferring including
displacing said test tube along said third axis (Z) in a second
sense opposite to said first sense.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein a single test tube
carrier (21) performs the functions of said first and said second
test tube carriers.
3. A method according to claim 2, wherein a test tube which has
been transferred from a compartment of a test tube carrier (21) to
said predetermined position in the measuring apparatus is
transferred from the latter position back to its original position
with respect to said compartment of said test tube carrier
(21).
4. An apparatus for transporting a plurality of test tubes (11) in
a measuring system for performing measurements on samples contained
in said test tubes, said test tubes being carried by a test tube
carrier (21) having an array of compartments (22) each of which is
adapted for receiving and holding one of said test tubes (11), said
apparatus comprising (a) transport means (41) for moving a first
test tube carrier (21) within said measuring system and adapted for
successively aligning a compartment (22) of said test tube carrier
and thereby a test tube (11) held by that compartment with a
receiving opening (31) of a measuring apparatus (32) which belongs
to said measuring system, said transport means being adapted for
moving said first test tube carrier (21) stepwise, in one of two
directions (X, Y) which are perpendicular to each other, and with a
basis outer surface of said first test tube carrier (21) lying
substantially in a plane defined by two axis (X, Y) which each
extend along one of said directions, and (b) transfer means (51)
for transferring one after the other of a plurality of test tubes
from said first test tube carrier (21) to a predetermined position
in the measuring apparatus, said transferring including displacing
each test tube being transferred in a first sense along a third
axis (Z) which is substantially perpendicular to said plane, a
compartment of said first test tube carrier (21) being aligned with
said receiving opening (31) of the measuring apparatus for said
transferring of said test tube and said test tube being introduced
through said receiving opening (31) into the measuring apparatus,
said transfer means being adapted for transferring a test tube (11)
from the predetermined position in the measuring apparatus to a
compartment of a second test tube carrier (61), the latter
transferring including displacing said test tube along said third
axis (Z) in a second sense opposite to said first sense.
5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a single test tube
carrier (21) performs the functions of said first and said second
test tube carriers.
6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said transfer means
(51) are adapted for transferring a test tube from a compartment of
a test tube carrier (21) to said predetermined position in the
measuring apparatus and for transferring said test tube from the
latter position back to said compartment of said test tube carrier
(21).
7. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the test tube carrier
(21, 61) is a single piece frame having a rectangular shape, an
outer width of 86.7 millimeters, an outer length of 127 millimeters
and a pitch of 9 millimeters between adjacent compartments.
8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the test tube carrier
(21, 61) has pitch of 4.5 millimeters between adjacent
compartments.
9. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said test tube (11a,
11b) comprises an adapter part (12a, 12b) and a sample tube (13a,
13b) connected with each other, said adapter part (12a, 12b) being
configured and dimensioned to fit into a compartment (22) of said
first and said second test tube carrier (21, 61), said adapter part
having an upper opening (56a, 56b).
10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said sample tube
(13c) and said adapter part (12c) are integrally made as a
single-piece element (11c).
11. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said adapter part
has an outer surface which has a rotation symmetrical shape.
12. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said transfer means
comprise a gripper (50) having a tubular body (51), an end part
(54) of which is adapted to enter and engage said upper opening
(56a, 56b) of said adapter part (12a, 12b).
13. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said transfer means
comprise a gripper (50) having a tubular body (51), an end part
(54) of which is adapted to enter and engage said upper opening
(56c) of said adapter part (12c).
14. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said transfer means
comprise a gripper (50) having a tubular body (51), an end part
(54) of which is adapted to enter and engage said upper opening
(56a, 56b, 56c) of said adapter part (12a, 12b, 12c).
15. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said gripper
comprises (a) a tubular body (51) which has an inner conduit (55)
and an end part (54) which has an expandable cross-section, (b) a
rod (52) which is slidably arranged in said conduit (55), said rod
having an end part (53) the cross-section of which is larger than
the cross-section of the segment of rod (52) which is adjacent to
said end part 53, the end part (53) of said rod (52) and the end
part (54) of said tubular body being adapted to cooperate with each
other so that insertion of the end part (53) of rod (52) into the
end part (54) of said tubular body (51) causes an enlargement of
the cross-section of the end part (54) of said tubular body
(51).
16. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each compartment of
the test tube carrier (21, 61) has an inner surface having a shape
which is adapted to cooperate with a corresponding part of the
outer surface of a test tube (11) in order to define a
predetermined resting position of the test tube with respect to the
compartment (22).
17. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein each compartment of
the test tube carrier (21, 61) has an inner surface having a shape
which is adapted to cooperate with a corresponding part of the
outer surface of the adapter part (12a, 12b, 12c) of a test tube
(11a, 11b, 11c) in order to define a predetermined resting position
of the test tube with respect to the compartment (22).
18. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each compartment
(22) of the test tube carrier (21, 61) has a top end opening and a
bottom end opening, and wherein each compartment and each test tube
are so configured and dimensioned that each test tube (11) can only
be inserted into and removed from a compartment (22) of the test
tube carrier through the bottom end opening of the compartment.
19. A method for transporting a plurality of test tubes (11) in a
measuring system, said test tubes being carried by a test tube
carrier (21) which comprises a plurality of compartments (22), each
of which is adapted for receiving and holding an adapter member
(12) suitable for connecting a sample tube (13) to one of said
compartments, said method comprising: (a) moving a first test tube
carrier (21) within said measuring system for successively aligning
a compartment (22) of said first test tube carrier (21) and thereby
a sample tube (13) held by that compartment with a receiving
opening (31) of a measuring apparatus (32) which belongs to said
system, said moving of said first test tube carrier (21) being
effected stepwise, each motion step being in one of two directions
(X, Y) which are perpendicular to each other, and with a basis
outer surface of said first test tube carrier (21) lying
substantially in a plane defined by two axis (X, Y) which each
extend along one of said directions, (b) transferring one after the
other a plurality of adapter members (12) and thereby sample tubes
(13) connected each to an adapter member from said first test tube
carrier (21) to a predetermined position in the measuring apparatus
(32), said transferring including displacing each adapter member
and the respective sample tube being transferred in a first sense
along a third axis (Z) which is substantially perpendicular to said
plane, a compartment of said first test tube carrier (21) being
aligned with said receiving opening (31) of the measuring apparatus
for said transferring of said adapter member and the respective
test tube and said test adapter member and the respective sample
tube being introduced through said receiving opening (31) into the
measuring apparatus (32), (c) effecting in the measuring apparatus
(32) a measurement on a sample contained in the sample tube
transferred to the measuring apparatus, and (d) transferring said
adapter member (12) and the respective sample tube (13) after that
measurement from the predetermined position in the measuring
apparatus (32) to a compartment of a second test tube carrier (61),
the latter transferring including displacing said adapter member
and the respective sample tube along said third axis (Z) in a
second sense opposite to said first sense.
20. A method according to claim 19, wherein a single test tube
carrier (21) performs the functions of said first and said second
test tube carriers.
21. A method according to claim 20, wherein an adapter member and
the respective sample tube which have been transferred from a
compartment of a test tube carrier (21) to said predetermined
position in the measuring apparatus are transferred from the latter
position back to its original position with respect to said
compartment of said test tube carrier (21).
22. An apparatus for transporting a plurality of test tubes (11) in
a measuring system for performing measurements on samples contained
in said test tubes, said test tubes being carried by a test tube
carrier (21) having an array of compartments (22) each of which is
adapted for receiving and holding an adapter member (12) suitable
for connecting a test tube to one of said compartments, said
apparatus comprising (a) transport means (41) for moving a first
test tube carrier (21) within said measuring system and adapted for
successively aligning a compartment (22) of said test tube carrier
and thereby an adapter member and the respective test tube (11)
held by that compartment with a receiving opening (31) of a
measuring apparatus (32) which belongs to said measuring system,
said transport means being adapted for moving said first test tube
carrier (21) stepwise, in one of two directions (X, Y) which are
perpendicular to each other, and with a basis outer surface of said
first test tube carrier (21) lying substantially in a plane defined
by two axis (X, Y) which each extend along one of said directions,
and (b) transfer means (51) for transferring one after the other a
plurality of adapter members and the respective test tubes from
said first test tube carrier (21) to a predetermined position in
the measuring apparatus, said transferring including displacing
each adapter member and the respective test tube being transferred
in a first sense along a third axis (Z) which is substantially
perpendicular to said plane, a compartment of said first test tube
carrier (21) being aligned with said receiving opening (31) of the
measuring apparatus for said transferring of said adapter member
and the respective test tube, said adapter member and the
respective test tube being introduced through said receiving
opening (31) into the measuring apparatus, said transfer means
being adapted for transferring adapter member (12) and the
respective test tube (11) from the predetermined position in the
measuring apparatus to a compartment of a second test tube carrier
(61), the latter transferring including displacing said test tube
along said third axis (Z) in a second sense opposite to said first
sense.
23. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein a single test tube
carrier (21) performs the functions of said first and said second
test tube carriers.
24. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said transfer means
(51) are adapted for transferring an adapter member and the
respective test tube from a compartment of a test tube carrier (21)
to said predetermined position in the measuring apparatus and for
transferring said adapter member and the respective test tube from
the latter position back to said compartment of said test tube
carrier (21).
25. An apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the test tube
carrier (21, 61) is a single piece frame having a rectangular
shape, an outer width of 86.7 millimeters, an outer length of 127
millimeters and a pitch of 9 millimeters between adjacent
compartments.
26. An apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the test tube
carrier (21, 61) has pitch of 4.5 millimeters between adjacent
compartments.
27. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said test tube
(11a, 11b, 11c) comprises a sample tube (13a, 13b, 13c) connected
to said adapter member (12a, 12b, 12c), said adapter member (12a,
12b, 12c) being configured and dimensioned to fit into a
compartment (22) of said first and said second test tube carrier
(21, 61), and said adapter member has a upper opening (56a, 56b,
56c).
28. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said sample tube
(13c) and said adapter member (12c) are integrally made as a
single-piece element (11c).
29. An apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said adapter member
has an outer surface which has a rotation symmetrical shape.
30. An apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said transfer means
comprise a gripper (50) having a tubular body (51), an end part
(54) of which is adapted to enter and engage said upper opening
(56a, 56b) of said adapter member (12a, 12b).
31. An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said transfer means
comprise a gripper (50) having a tubular body (51), an end part
(54) of which is adapted to enter and engage said upper opening
(56c) of said adapter member (12c).
32. An apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said transfer means
comprise a gripper (50) having a tubular body (51), an end part
(54) of which is adapted to enter and engage said upper opening
(56a, 56b, 56c) of said adapter member (12a, 12b, 12c).
33. An apparatus according to claim 32, wherein said gripper
comprises (a) a tubular body (51) which has an inner conduit (55)
and an end part (54) which has an expandable cross-section, (b) a
rod (52) which is slidably arranged in said conduit (55), said rod
having an end part (53) the cross-section of which is larger than
the cross-section of the segment of rod (52) which is adjacent to
said end part (53), the end part (53) of said rod (52) and the end
part (54) of said tubular body being adapted to cooperate with each
other so that insertion of the end part (53) of rod (52) into the
end part (54) of said tubular body (51) causes an enlargement of
the cross-section of the end part (54) of said tubular body
(51).
34. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein each compartment of
the test tube carrier (21, 61) has an inner surface having a shape
which is adapted to cooperate with a corresponding part of the
outer surface of said adapter member (12) in order to define a
predetermined resting position of the test tube with respect to the
compartment (22).
35. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein each compartment
(22) of the test tube carrier (21, 61) has a top end opening and a
bottom end opening, and wherein each compartment and each adapter
member (12) are so configured and dimensioned that each adapter
member can only be inserted into and removed from a compartment
(22) of the test tube carrier through the bottom end opening of the
compartment.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention concerns a method for transporting a plurality
of test tubes in a measuring system, said test tubes being carried
by a test tube carrier which comprises a plurality of compartments,
each of which is adapted for receiving and holding a test tube.
[0002] The invention further concerns an apparatus for transporting
a plurality of test tubes in a measuring system for performing
measurements on samples contained in said test tubes, said test
tubes being carried by a test tube carrier having an array of
compartments each of which is adapted for receiving and holding one
of said test tubes.
[0003] The invention also concerns a method for transporting a
plurality of test tubes in a measuring system, said test tubes
being carried by a test tube carrier which comprises a plurality of
compartments, each of which is adapted for receiving and holding an
adapter member suitable for connecting a test tube to one of said
compartments.
[0004] The invention further concerns an apparatus for transporting
a plurality of test tubes in a measuring system for performing
measurements on samples contained in said test tubes, said test
tubes being carried by a test tube carrier having an array of
compartments each of which is adapted for receiving and holding an
adapter member suitable for connecting a test tube to one of said
compartments.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In particular in the field of pharmaceutical research it is
necessary to analyze large arrays of samples obtained from
combinatorial chemistry, biological screening or compound
depositories. The samples are normally contained in sample wells of
a standard microtiter plate or are stored in separate containers
being arranged in racks having a shape similar to the shape of a
microtiter plate. The use of such microtiter plates has several
advantages, e.g. it makes possible an orderly handling of the
samples, parallel pipetting of samples with commercially available
multi-channel pipettors, reduced risk of sample handling mistakes
and a safe conservation of samples. Samples contained in microtiter
plates or racks similar to microtiter plates are usually
transferred from there to corresponding test tube arrays for
further processing and/or measurements. The test tubes are usually
arranged in test tube carriers which have a matrix array of e.g. 96
or 384 compartments, each of which is adapted to receive a test
tube.
[0006] In analyzer systems where only one measuring position is
available, a large number of test tubes containing samples to be
analyzed have to be successively brought from test tube carriers
each of which holds an array of test tubes to the measuring
position and this is a time consuming operation.
[0007] Conventional use of a roboter arm with a gripper that would
move each of the test tubes to be transferred from its position in
the test tube carrier to the measuring position and from there back
to a compartment of the test tube carrier requires a relative large
amount of time for the handling of the test tubes. Moreover, a
conventional roboter arm having the required accuracy for handling
very small test tubes which are very close to each other is very
expensive.
[0008] There is therefore a need for a method and apparatus for
automatically handling of a large number of test tubes, e.g. 1000
or more, in shorter time and at a lower cost.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] An aim of the invention is therefore to provide a method and
an apparatus for automatically handling of a large numbers of test
tubes in shorter time and at relatively low cost in order to effect
analytical measurements of samples contained in those tubes at a
single measuring position within a measuring system.
[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention this aim is
achieved by means of a method for transporting a plurality of test
tubes in a measuring system, said test tubes being carried by a
test tube carrier which comprises a plurality of compartments, each
of which is adapted for receiving and holding a test tube, said
method comprising:
[0011] (a) moving a first test tube carrier within said measuring
system for successively aligning a compartment of said first test
tube carrier and thereby a test tube held by that compartment with
a receiving opening of a measuring apparatus which belongs to said
system, said moving of said first test tube carrier being effected
stepwise, each motion step being in one of two directions which are
perpendicular to each other, and with a basis outer surface of said
first test tube carrier lying substantially in a plane defined by
two axis which each extend along one of said directions,
[0012] (b) transferring one after the other a plurality of test
tubes from said first test tube carrier to a predetermined position
in the measuring apparatus, said transferring including displacing
each test tube being transferred in a first sense along a third
axis which is substantially perpendicular to said plane, a
compartment of said first test tube carrier being aligned with said
receiving opening of the measuring apparatus for said transferring
of said test tube and said test tube being introduced through said
receiving opening into the measuring apparatus,
[0013] (c) effecting in the measuring apparatus a measurement on a
sample contained in the test tube transferred to the measuring
apparatus, and
[0014] (d) transferring said test tube after that measurement from
the predetermined position in the measuring apparatus to a
compartment of a second test tube carrier, the latter transferring
including displacing said test tube along said third axis in a
second sense opposite to said first sense.
[0015] According to a second aspect of the invention this aim is
achieved by means of an apparatus for transporting a plurality of
test tubes in a measuring system for performing measurements on
samples contained in said test tubes, said test tubes being carried
by a test tube carrier having an array of compartments each of
which is adapted for receiving and holding one of said test tubes,
said apparatus comprising
[0016] (a) transport means for moving a first test tube carrier
within said measuring system and adapted for successively aligning
a compartment of said test tube carrier and thereby a test tube
held by that compartment with a receiving opening of a measuring
apparatus which belongs to said measuring system,
[0017] said transport means being adapted for moving said first
test tube carrier stepwise, in one of two directions which are
perpendicular to each other, and with a basis outer surface of said
first test tube carrier lying substantially in a plane defined by
two axis which each extend along one of said directions, and
[0018] (b) transfer means for transferring one after the other a
plurality of test tubes from said first test tube carrier to a
predetermined position in the measuring apparatus, said
transferring including displacing each test tube being transferred
in a first sense along a third axis which is substantially
perpendicular to said plane,
[0019] a compartment of said first test tube carrier being aligned
with said said transfer means being adapted for transferring a test
tube from the predetermined position in the measuring apparatus to
a compartment of a second test tube carrier, the latter
transferring including displacing said test tube along said third
axis (Z) in a second sense opposite to said first sense.
[0020] According to a third aspect of the invention the above
indicated aim is achieved by means of a method for transporting a
plurality of test tubes in a measuring system, said test tubes
being carried by a test tube carrier which comprises a plurality of
compartments, each of which is adapted for receiving and holding an
adapter member suitable for connecting a test tube to one of said
compartments, said method comprising
[0021] (a) moving a first test tube carrier within said measuring
system for successively aligning a compartment of said first test
tube carrier and thereby a test tube held by that compartment with
a receiving opening of a measuring apparatus which belongs to said
system,
[0022] said moving of said first test tube carrier being effected
stepwise, each motion step being in one of two directions which are
perpendicular to each other, and with a basis outer surface of said
first test tube carrier lying substantially in a plane defined by
two axis which each extend along one of said directions,
[0023] (b) transferring one after the other a plurality of adapter
members and thereby test tubes connected each to an adapter member
from said first test tube carrier to a predetermined position in
the measuring apparatus, said transferring including displacing
each adapter member and the respective test tube being transferred
in a first sense along a third axis which is substantially
perpendicular to said plane,
[0024] a compartment of said first test tube carrier being aligned
with said receiving opening of the measuring apparatus for said
transferring of said adapter member and the respective test tube
and said test adapter member and the respective test tube being
introduced through said receiving opening into the measuring
apparatus,
[0025] (c) effecting in the measuring apparatus a measurement on a
sample contained in the test tube transferred to the measuring
apparatus, and
[0026] (d) transferring said adapter member and the respective test
tube after that measurement from the predetermined position in the
measuring apparatus to a compartment of a second test tube carrier,
the latter transferring including displacing said adapter member
and the respective test tube along said third axis in a second
sense opposite to said first sense.
[0027] According to a fourth aspect of the invention the above
indicated aim is achieved by means of an apparatus for transporting
a plurality of test tubes in a measuring system for performing
measurements on samples contained in said test tubes, said test
tubes being carried by a test tube carrier having an array of
compartments each of which is adapted for receiving and holding an
adapter member suitable for connecting a test tube to one of said
compartments, said apparatus comprising
[0028] (a) transport means for moving a first test tube carrier
within said measuring system and adapted for successively aligning
a compartment of said test tube carrier and thereby an adapter
member and the respective test tube held by that compartment with a
receiving opening of a measuring apparatus which belongs to said
measuring system,
[0029] said transport means being adapted for moving said first
test tube carrier stepwise, in one of two directions which are
perpendicular to each other, and with a basis outer surface of said
first test tube carrier lying substantially in a plane defined by
two axis which each extend along one of said directions, and
[0030] (b) transfer means for transferring one after the other a
plurality of adapter members and the respective test tubes from
said first test tube carrier to a predetermined position in the
measuring apparatus, said transferring including displacing each
adapter member and the respective test tube being transferred in a
first sense along a third axis which is substantially perpendicular
to said plane,
[0031] a compartment of said first test tube carrier being aligned
with said receiving opening of the measuring apparatus for said
transferring of said adapter member and the respective test tube,
said adapter member and the respective test tube being introduced
through said receiving opening into the measuring apparatus,
[0032] said transfer means being adapted for transferring adapter
member and the respective test tube from the predetermined position
in the measuring apparatus to a compartment of a second test tube
carrier, the latter transferring including displacing said test
tube along said third axis in a second sense opposite to said first
sense.
[0033] The main advantages obtained with a method and an apparatus
according to the invention are that they make possible to handle
and analyze automatically large numbers of samples in shorter time
and at lower cost than by conventional robotic means. These
advantages are obtained by means of a transport apparatus
characterized by the simplicity of the movements of the parts moved
(test tube carrier, gripper which holds and moves a test tube) and
by the low amount of mass moved in each of the movements required
for the operation of the apparatus.
[0034] Use of a method and an apparatus according to the invention
is particularly advantageous in a measuring system in which large
numbers of test tubes have to be analyzed in a measuring system in
which samples contained in the test tubes are analyzed by means of
NMR-measurements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] The subject invention will now be described in terms of its
preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.
These embodiments are set forth to aid the understanding of the
invention, but are not to be construed as limiting.
[0036] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view showing components
of an embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention.
[0037] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of a zone 18 of FIG. 1 wherein
alignment of a compartment 22 of a test tube carrier 21 with a
receiving opening 31 of a measuring apparatus 32 is
represented.
[0038] FIG. 3 shows a schematic perspective view showing components
of an embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention,
wherein a compartment 29 of a test tube carrier 21 is aligned with
a receiving opening 31 of a measuring apparatus 32.
[0039] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of a zone 19 of FIG. 3.
[0040] FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of the apparatus
shown by FIG. 1, but from an opposite point of view
[0041] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a test tube carrier
21.
[0042] FIG. 7 shows a top plan view of test tube carrier 21 in FIG.
3.
[0043] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of test tube carrier 21
along line V-V in FIG. 8.
[0044] FIG. 9 shows an enlarged view of a zone 24 of FIG. 8.
[0045] FIG. 10 shows a view similar to FIG. 9, but showing
different embodiments of test tubes.
[0046] FIG. 11 shows a perspective partially cross-sectional view
of gripper 50 in FIG. 9 depicting in particular a test tube holding
mechanisms.
[0047] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of gripper 50 in FIG. 9 and
of sliding rod 52 which in FIG. 11 is slidably arranged within
gripper 50.
[0048] FIG. 13 shows a first cross-sectional view of the gripper 50
and test tube 11 in FIG. 11 along a length symmetry axis of test
tube 11. This view shows a first position of sliding rod 52 of
gripper 50 (test tube released).
[0049] FIG. 14 shows a second cross-sectional view of the gripper
50 and test tube 11 in FIG. 11 along a length symmetry axis of test
tube 11. This view shows a second position of sliding rod 52 of
gripper 50 (test tube engaged and held by end part of gripper).
[0050] FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 13, but
with a test tube that has a different shape.
[0051] FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 14, but
the test tube that having the shape shown in FIG. 15. 17 shows a
cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 8, but with test tubes that a
different shape. 18 shows an enlarged view of a zone 24 of FIG.
17.
REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS
[0052] tube/test tube assembly
[0053] 11a-11c test tube/test tube assembly adapter part or adapter
member of a test tube
[0054] 12a-12c adapter part or adapter member of a test tube sample
tube part of test tube
[0055] 13a-13c sample tube part of test tube
[0056] 14 ridge
[0057] 15 ridge
[0058] 16 conduit
[0059] 18 zone of FIG. 1
[0060] 19 zone of FIG. 3
[0061] 21 first test tube carrier
[0062] 22 compartment of test tube carrier 21
[0063] 23 projection
[0064] 24 zone of FIG. 8 respectively 17
[0065] 25 top end opening
[0066] 26 bottom end opening
[0067] 29 compartment of test tube carrier 21
[0068] 31 receiving opening
[0069] 32 measuring apparatus
[0070] 41 transport carriage
[0071] 42 motor for transport in X-direction
[0072] 43 motor for transport in Y-direction
[0073] 44 basis frame for motors 42, 43
[0074] 45 basis frame for transport device including gripper 50
[0075] 50 gripper
[0076] 51 tubular body of gripper 50
[0077] 52 sliding rod
[0078] 53 end part of sliding rod 52
[0079] 54 end part of gripper 50
[0080] 55 conduit within tubular body 51
[0081] 56 top opening of adapter part 12
[0082] 56a, 56b, 56c top opening of adapter part 12a, 12b, 12c
[0083] 57 depression
[0084] 61 second test tube carrier
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
EXAMPLE OF A FIRST EMBODIMENT OF AN APPARATUS ACCORDING TO THE
INVENTION
[0085] A first embodiment of an apparatus according to the
invention for automatically transporting a plurality of test tubes
11 in a measuring system is described hereinafter. In that system
measurements a single measuring position 32 is available for
measuring test tubes one at a time, e.g. for analytical
purposes.
[0086] Transport Means for Moving the Test Tubes to and from a
Measuring Apparatus
[0087] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an apparatus according to
the invention for automatically transporting a plurality of test
tubes 11 in a measuring system for performing measurements on
samples contained in the test tubes.
[0088] Test tubes 11 are carried by a test tube carrier 21 having
an array of compartments 22 each of which is adapted for receiving
and holding one of the test tubes 11.
[0089] Test tubes 11 and test tube carrier 21 are described in
detail hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 6 to 11, 13 and 14.
[0090] The apparatus shown by FIG. 1 comprises a carriage 41
adapted to hold and move a test tube carrier 21 along directions
indicated by X- and Y-axis respectively and a gripper 50 adapted to
be moved in opposite senses in the direction of the Z-axis
represented in FIG. 1 by means of an associated transport
device.
[0091] Carriage 41 is part of transport means which serve for
moving test tube carrier 21 within the measuring system and for
successively aligning one of the compartments 22 of test tube
carrier 21 and thereby a test tube 11 held by that compartment with
a receiving opening 31 of a measuring apparatus 32 which belongs to
the measuring system.
[0092] Carriage 41 and thereby a test tube carrier hold by carriage
41 are moved stepwise by means of a motor 42 in X-direction or a
motor 43 in Y-direction. During this movement a basis outer surface
of first test tube carrier 21 lies substantially in a plane defined
by two axis X respectively Y which each extend along one of those
directions. Directions X and Y are perpendicular to each other. In
FIG. 1 the X-axis and the Y-axis define a horizontal plane.
[0093] The motions steps carried out with carriage 41 are thus very
simple and involve a low amount of mass.
[0094] As shown by FIG. 1, carriage 41 and motors 42 and 43 are
mounted on a basis frame structure 44. Gripper 50 is held by a
frame structure 45 which allows displacement of gripper 50 in the
direction of the Z-axis. In the example shown the Z-axis is a
vertical axis and is thus perpendicular to the plane defined by
axis X and Y.
[0095] Motors 42 and 43 are operated by a control unit (not shown)
in order to effect movement of carriage 41 according to a
predetermined sequence of steps and thereby successively align one
at a time a compartment of test tube carrier with receiving opening
31.
[0096] When carriage 41 is at the position shown in FIG. 1, gripper
50 is aligned with a compartment 22 of test tube carrier 21 and
this compartment is aligned with receiving opening 31 of measuring
apparatus 32. This alignment is represented in detail in FIG. 2
which shows an enlarged view of zone 18 in FIG. 1. The alignment
just described makes possible to move a test tube 11 located in
compartment 22 out of this compartment and to introduce test tube
11 through receiving opening 31 of measuring apparatus 32 by a
simple displacement of the test tube in the direction of the Z-axis
only. During this displacement, which is carried out by gripper 50,
the length axis of test tube 11 is and remains parallel to the
Z-axis.
[0097] FIG. 3 shows the same apparatus as FIG. 1 but with carriage
41 at a different position. When carriage 41 is at this position,
gripper 50 is aligned with a compartment 29 of test tube carrier 21
and this compartment is aligned with receiving opening 31 of
measuring apparatus 32. This alignment is represented in detail in
FIG. 4 which shows an enlarged view of zone 19 in FIG. 3. Also in
this case, the alignment just described makes possible to move a
test tube 11 located in compartment 29 out of this compartment and
to introduce test tube 11 through receiving opening 31 of measuring
apparatus 32 by a simple displacement of the test tube in the
direction of the Z-axis only. During this displacement, which is
carried out by gripper 50, the length axis of test tube 11 is and
remains parallel to the Z-axis.
[0098] FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view the apparatus
shown by FIG. 1, but from an opposite point of view. FIG. 5 shows
the arrangement of carriage 41, motors 42, 43, gripper 50 and their
associated mechanical structure including basis frames 44 and 45,
and measuring apparatus 32.
[0099] Test Tube Carrier
[0100] As shown by FIG. 6, a test tube carrier 21 has a matrix
array of e.g. 96 compartments 22 each of which is adapted for
receiving and holding a test tube 11. Each compartment 22 has a top
end opening 25 and a bottom end opening 26. In FIG. 6 test tube is
only represented schematically, that is without showing the real
shape of test tube in detail. Preferred examples of the shape of
test tube 11 are represented in FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 11, 13 and 14.
[0101] The inner wall of each compartment 22 has preferably at
least one projection 23 which is adapted to cooperate with a
depression 57 of the outer surface of a test tube 11 or with the
adapter part 12 thereof inserted in the compartment in order to
define accurately a predetermined resting position of the test tube
with respect to the compartment when the test tube is inserted into
the compartment. As shown by FIG. 9, depression 57 is formed is
formed by a hollow space betweeen two ridges 14 respectively 15 of
the outer surface of adapter part 12.
[0102] Test tube carrier 21 is preferably a single piece frame of
rectangular shape manufactured by injection molding of a suitable
plastic material and has e.g. the following standard dimensions: an
outer width of 86.7 millimeters, an outer length of 127 millimeters
and a pitch of 9 millimeters between adjacent compartments. Instead
of test tube carrier 21 in FIG. 6, a similar test tube carrier can
be used which has the same standard dimensions and a similar array
of 384 smaller compartments for receiving smaller test tubes. Such
a test tube carrier has a pitch of 4.5 millimeters between adjacent
compartments.
[0103] Test Tubes
[0104] Test tubes 11 may in principle have any shape and dimensions
suitable for the intended measurement to be performed on the
samples contained in the test tubes. In a particular test tube
embodiment described hereinafter the sample containing part of the
tube is a thin glass capillary tube. Such a test tube is suitable
e.g. for performing NMR measurements.
[0105] In the following description the test tubes 11 are
represented as test tubes having an upper end opening. In an
alternative embodiment not represented in the accompanying
drawings, the open upper end of the test tubes can however be
closed by a piercable closure like a foil or by a septum having a
Y-shaped cutting which allows piercing of the septum.
[0106] In the embodiment described hereinafter as example, a test
tube 11 has e.g. the structure shown in particular by FIGS. 9 to 11
and 13 to 16 and is composed of an adapter part or adapter member
12a respectively 12b, which comprises a conduit 16, and a sample
tube part 13a respectively 13b which is e.g. a glass capillary tube
connected to conduit 16. This capillary tube has an outer diameter
in a range from about 1 to 5 millimeters. Adapter part 12a, 12b and
a sample tube part 13a, 13b are connected with each other. Adapter
part 12a, 12b has a upper opening 56a, 56b and is configured and
dimensioned to fit into a compartment 22 of first test tube carrier
21 and of second test tube carrier 61.
[0107] Adapter part 12a, 12b of the test tube is made e.g. by
injection molding of a suitable plastic material and is so
configured and dimensioned to serve as an adapter member enabling
an accurate positioning of the entire test tube 11 with respect to
the compartment 22 into which the test tube is inserted. For this
purpose adapter part 12a, 12b has e.g. two ridges 14, 15 which form
a depression 57 between them and are adapted to cooperate with
projection 23 of compartment 22 in order to define a predetermined
resting position of adapter part 12 of test tube 11 in compartment
22. When adapter part 12a, 12b is introduced into a compartment 22,
projection 23 of compartment 22 snaps in between ridges 14 and 15
and thereby accurately defines the resting position of the test
tube in the compartment.
[0108] As shown by FIG. 10, test tubes 11a and 11b having the
structure just described can have sample tube parts 13a
respectively 13b having different dimensions. In a preferred
embodiment, the sample tube part of a test tube is identical with
the storage container of a sample. In this case a single container
is used as sample storage container and test tube. This simplifies
the sample transfer operation.
[0109] As shown by FIG. 10, a test tube 11c having the basic
structure described above can also be a single piece test tube made
of a plastic material. In this case adapter part 12c and sample
tube part 13c of the test tube are integrated into a single piece.
Adapter part 12c has a upper opening 56c and is configured and
dimensioned to fit into a compartment 22 of first test tube carrier
21 and of second test tube carrier 61.
[0110] In a preferred embodiment the test tubes 11a, 11b, 11c and
the respective adapter parts 12a, 12b, 12c thereof have an outer
surface which has a rotation symmetrical shape.
[0111] Test Tube Gripper and Transport Device for Moving the
Gripper
[0112] Gripper 50 represented in FIGS. 1-5 is moved by a suitable
transport device. The operation of this transport device and of
gripper 50 is also controlled by the control unit which controls
the operation of motors 42 and 43 used for moving carriage 41. The
operation of the latter transport means is thus synchronized with
the operation of gripper 50 and the transport device which moves
the gripper, in order to use gripper 50 for transferring one after
the other a plurality of test tubes 11 from test tube carrier 21 to
a predetermined position in measuring apparatus 32. Before
effecting the above mentioned transferring of a test tube, the
compartment that contains the test tube to be transferred is
aligned with receiving opening 31 of measuring apparatus 32 by a
proper positioning of carriage 41 and test tube carrier 21 on that
carriage with respect to receiving opening 31, and gripper 50 then
displaces the test tube downwards in the direction of the Z-axis.
By means of this displacement, the test tube being moved is
introduced through opening 31 of measuring apparatus 32 and brought
to the predetermined position within the latter apparatus.
[0113] Gripper 50 and its associated transport device are also
adapted for transferring a test tube 11 from the predetermined
position in measuring apparatus 32 to a compartment of a test tube
carrier. That transferring includes displacing the test tube
upwards along the Z-axis.
[0114] The motion steps carried out with gripper 50 are thus very
simple and involve a low amount of mass.
[0115] In a preferred embodiment, gripper 50 transfers a test tube
from the test tube carrier 21 to a predetermined position in
measuring apparatus 32 and after a measurement of a sample
contained in the test tube is effected in the latter apparatus,
gripper 50 transfers the test tube back to test tube carrier 21 and
preferably to the same compartment where it was originally
located.
[0116] In another embodiment, gripper 50 transfers a test tube from
a first test tube carrier 21 to measuring apparatus 32 where a
measurement of a sample contained in the test tube is effected and
after this measurement gripper 50 transfers the test tube to a
compartment of a second test tube carrier (not shown).
[0117] As shown in particular by FIGS. 11 to 14, gripper 50
comprises a tubular body 51 which has an inner conduit 55. Gripper
50 preferably includes a sliding rod 52 which is slidably arranged
in conduit 55 and which has an end part 53. Gripper 50 has a lower
end part 54 which is adapted to enter and engage the upper opening
56 of adapter part 12. The lower end part 54 of gripper 50
comprises a deformable chamber which is so configured and
dimensioned that axial displacement of end part 53 of sliding rod
52 within that chamber modifies the outer diameter of the lower end
part 54 of gripper 50. The cross-section of the end part 53 of
sliding rod 52 is larger than the cross-section of the segment of
rod 52 which is adjacent to end part 53.
[0118] When end part 53 of sliding rod 52 is positioned as shown in
FIG. 13, the lower end part 54 of gripper 50 is slightly smaller
than the inner diameter of conduit 16 in the adapter part 12 of
test tube 11, and gripper 50 can be introduced into or withdrawn
from conduit 16 without difficulty.
[0119] When the end part 53 of sliding rod 52 is displaced and
takes the position shown in FIG. 14 it causes a widening of the
outer diameter of the end part 54 of gripper 50 and this causes
engagement of gripper 50 with the adapter part 12 of test tube 11
and makes it possible to displace test tube 11, e.g. for pushing it
out of a compartment 22 of test tube carrier 21 or for pulling back
and reintroducing test tube 11 into that compartment. A reverse
displacement of sliding rod 52 brings its end part 53 back to the
relative position shown in FIG. 13 and gripper 50 is then
disengaged from the test tube and can be withdrawn therefrom. End
part 54 of gripper 50 has thus an expandable cross-section and the
end part 53 of rod 52 and the end part 54 of tubular body being
adapted to cooperate with each other so that insertion of the end
part 53 of rod 52 into the end part 54 of tubular body 51 causes an
enlargement of the cross-section of the end part 54 of tubular body
51.
[0120] The above mentioned displacements of sliding rod 52 within
gripper 50 are effected by any suitable means, e.g. by air pressure
having a positive or a negative value depending on the sense of the
displacement to be effected.
[0121] Insertion of a Test Tube into a Compartment of Test Tube
Carrier 21 and Withdrawal of a Test Tube from Such a
Compartment
[0122] In preferred embodiments shown by FIGS. 8 to 10, 13 and 14,
the test tubes have as a common feature that with the test tube
orientation shown, the shape of the test tube only allows its
insertion into and its withdrawal from a compartment 22 through the
bottom end opening 26 of compartment 22. These embodiments have the
advantage of preventing that a test tube may accidentally be pulled
out of the compartment, if the removable connection between a
gripper used to move the tubes and a tube fails to release the tube
after it has reached its proper position in a compartment.
[0123] However, in some cases different embodiments with test tubes
having the shape shown by FIGS. 15 to 18 may be preferred. In this
embodiments each compartment 22 of test tube carrier 21 and each of
the test tubes are so configured and dimensioned that the adapter
part 12 of the test tube can be inserted into the compartment 22
either through the upper end opening 25 or the bottom end opening
26 of compartment 22 and without changing the orientation of the
test tube 11 with respect to test tube carrier 21. The elasticity
of the material used to make the test tubes contributes to obtain
this property. The orientation of the test tubes with respect to
the compartments is e.g. as shown in FIG. 9.
Example 1 of an Embodiment of a Method According to the
Invention
[0124] A method according to the invention is carried out
automatically and preferably with an apparatus according to the
invention having e.g. the structure described above with reference
to FIGS. 1 to 4. Preliminary steps include the loading of test
tubes 11 containing the samples to be analyzed in test tube
carriers 21 and loading one of this carriers on carriage 41 of the
above described transport means for transporting test tube carriers
within the measuring system.
[0125] According to this Example 1 a method according to the
invention comprises the following steps:
[0126] (a) moving a first test tube carrier 21 within the measuring
system for successively aligning a compartment 22 of the first test
tube carrier 21 and thereby a test tube 11 held by that compartment
with a receiving opening 31 of a measuring apparatus 32 which
belongs to the measuring system, the moving of the first test tube
carrier 21 being effected stepwise, each motion step being in one
of two directions X, Y which are perpendicular to each other, and
with a basis outer surface of the first test tube carrier 21 lying
substantially in a plane defined by two axis X, Y which each extend
along one of those directions,
[0127] (b) transferring one after the other a plurality of test
tubes from the first test tube carrier 21 to a predetermined
position in the measuring apparatus 32, said transferring including
displacing each test tube being transferred in a first sense along
a third axis Z which is substantially perpendicular to that
plane,
[0128] a compartment of the first test tube carrier 21 being
aligned with the receiving opening 31 of the measuring apparatus 32
for effecting the transfer of a test tube and said test tube being
introduced through said receiving opening 31 into the measuring
apparatus 32,
[0129] (c) effecting in the measuring apparatus 32a measurement on
a sample contained in the test tube transferred to the measuring
apparatus 32, and
[0130] (d) transferring the test tube 11 after that measurement
from the predetermined position in the measuring apparatus 32 to a
compartment of a second test tube carrier 61, said transferring
including displacing the test tube along the third axis Z in a
second sense opposite to the first sense.
[0131] Transfer of a test tube 11 from a compartment 22 to a
predetermined position in measuring apparatus 32 is initiated by
ejecting test tube 11 from compartment 22. This is carried out by
griper 51 which for this purpose is introduced into and engages
conduit 16 of test tube 11. Gripper 50 then pushes test tube 11
downwards in Z-direction out of compartment 22. The elasticity of
the walls of the adapter part 12 of test tube 11 allows this
operation.
[0132] Further displacement of test tube 11 by means of gripper 50
brings tube 11 through a receiving opening 31 of measuring
apparatus 32 to the above-mentioned predetermined position in the
latter apparatus. Once at the latter position tube 11 can be
transferred by gripper 50 or by any other suitable means to a
measurement position within apparatus 32.
[0133] After a test tube 11 is measured at the measurement position
in measuring apparatus 32, this tube is transferred to a
compartment of a test carrier. This transfer is carried out
preferably by the same means used to bring the test tube to the
measurement position. For this purpose gripper 50 is used to pull
test tube 11 upwards either into its original compartment 22 in
test tube carrier 21, or into a compartment 62 (not shown) of a
different test tube carrier 61 (not shown), until a projection 23
of the inner wall of the compartment snaps between ridges 14 and 15
of the outer wall of adapter part 12 of test tube 11 and the test
tube reaches its resting position in the compartment.
[0134] The method steps described above are carried out with
respect to a plurality of test tubes carried by a test tube carrier
21 being processed. After that the next test tube carrier 21 is
loaded on carriage 41 of the transport means and the
above-described method steps are carried out with respect to a
plurality of test tubes carried by the latter test tube carrier and
so on.
[0135] Test tube carrier 21 is moved stepwise and substantially in
a plane defined by two axis X and Y which are perpendicular to each
other.
[0136] The transferring of a test tube from a compartment 22 of
test tube carrier to a predetermined position within measuring
apparatus 32 or vice versa is effected by displacing the test tube
11 along its longitudinal axis and along an axis Z which is
perpendicular to the plane defined by axis X and Y.
Example 2 of an Embodiment of a Method According to the
Invention
[0137] This example is substantially the same as the method
described above under Example 1, but is characterized in that
adapters holding test tubes are moved instead of moving test tubes.
According to this example 2 the method comprises
[0138] (a) moving a first test tube carrier 21 within said
measuring system for successively aligning a compartment 22 of said
first test tube carrier 21 and thereby a sample tube 13 held by
that compartment with a receiving opening 31 of a measuring
apparatus 32 which belongs to said system,
[0139] said moving of said first test tube carrier 21 being
effected stepwise, each motion step being in one of two directions
X, Y which are perpendicular to each other, and with a basis outer
surface of said first test tube carrier 21 lying substantially in a
plane defined by two axis X, Y which each extend along one of said
directions,
[0140] (b) transferring one after the other a plurality of adapter
members 12 and thereby sample tubes 13 connected each to an adapter
member from said first test tube carrier 21 to a predetermined
position in the measuring apparatus 32, said transferring including
displacing each adapter member and the respective sample tube being
transferred in a first sense along a third axis Z which is
substantially perpendicular to said plane,
[0141] a compartment of said first test tube carrier 21 being
aligned with said receiving opening 31 of the measuring apparatus
for said transferring of said adapter member and the respective
sample tube and said test adapter member and the respective sample
tube being introduced through said receiving opening 31 into the
measuring apparatus 32,
[0142] (c) effecting in the measuring apparatus 32a measurement on
a sample contained in the test tube transferred to the measuring
apparatus, and transferring said adapter member 12 and the
respective sample tube 13 after that measurement from the
predetermined position in the measuring apparatus 32 to a
compartment of a second test tube carrier 61, the latter
transferring including displacing said adapter member and the
respective sample tube along said third axis Z in a second sense
opposite to said first sense.
EXAMPLE OF A SECOND EMBODIMENT OF AN APPARATUS ACCORDING TO THE
INVENTION
[0143] This example is substantially the same as the apparatus
described above under Example of a first embodiment of an apparatus
according to the invention, but is characterized in that it
comprises means for moving adapters holding test tubes instead of
means for moving test tubes. According to this example the
apparatus comprises
[0144] (a) transport means 41 for moving a first test tube carrier
21 within said measuring system and adapted for successively
aligning a compartment 22 of said test tube carrier and thereby an
adapter member and the respective sample tube 13 held by that
compartment with a receiving opening 31 of a measuring apparatus 32
which belongs to said measuring system,
[0145] said transport means being adapted for moving said first
test tube carrier 21 stepwise, in one of two directions X, Y which
are perpendicular to each other, and with a basis outer surface of
said first test tube carrier 21 lying substantially in a plane
defined by two axis X, Y which each extend along one of said
directions, and
[0146] (b) transfer means 51 for transferring one after the other a
plurality of adapter members and the respective test tubes from
said first test tube carrier 21 to a predetermined position in the
measuring apparatus, said transferring including displacing each
adapter member and the respective test tube being transferred in a
first sense along a third axis Z which is substantially
perpendicular to said plane,
[0147] a compartment of said first test tube carrier 21 being
aligned with said receiving opening 31 of the measuring apparatus
for said transferring of said adapter member and the respective
test tube, said adapter member and the respective test tube being
introduced through said receiving opening 31 into the measuring
apparatus,
[0148] said transfer means being adapted for transferring adapter
member 12 and the respective sample tube 13 from the predetermined
position in the measuring apparatus to a compartment of a second
test tube carrier 61, the latter transferring including displacing
said test tube along said third axis Z in a second sense opposite
to said first sense.
[0149] Although preferred embodiments of the invention has been
described using specific terms, such description is for
illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes
and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or
scope of the following claims.
* * * * *